Flooding of property on Holden Beach primarily is a result of heavy or lengthy rainfall coupled with flat and sometimes poorly drained topography which is a natural characteristic of our barrier island.

In addition, the Town has been and will remain susceptible to the effects of tropical storms. During these events, not only is there the treat of heavy rainfall, but storm surge over-wash can be deadly and extremely damaging to public and private property. For example, even a minor hurricane can create a storm surge of several feet which can inundate low lying areas, especially when it arrives at periods of extreme high tide.

To counter the potential effects of these natural and uncontrollable events, property owners are required to elevate homes above flood levels so as to reduce damage to property. They are also required to remain a certain distance off the oceanfront when building new homes so as to provide greater protection from the effects of storm surge.

DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Property owners are required to adhere to the requirements of the Town’s comprehensive Stormwater Management Ordinance which contains strict requirements concerning the management of stormwater as a result of land disturbing activities.

In this regard, a community like Holden Beach can significantly lose its ability to manage stormwater when property owners place vegetative and other debris along or in drainage features such as swales or ditches. Owners who cause or allow soil to erode into these drainage features also contribute to a lessening of the ability of the feature to manage stormwater. When this happens, flooding occurs more frequently and may reach higher elevations than otherwise. Not only will situations such as this cause potential damage to the owner’s property, but it may equally or more severely affect neighboring property.

To minimize the risk of stormwater flooding, the Town strictly enforces its Stormwater Ordinance. Copies of the ordinance are available in Town Hall at 110 Rothschild Street, Holden Beach NC 29462.

Property owners may contact Town Hall with specific questions or to report possible violations by calling 910-842-6488, or by sending E-mail to hbtownmgr@atmc.net.

FLOOD INSURANCE

Properties located in the Town of Holden Beach are subject to federally supported mortgages and are required to be protected with flood insurance. Some property owners may not be fully aware of the fact that a standard home owner’s insurance policy does not contain provisions for losses due to flooding. All owners are encouraged to contact a reliable insurance agent to discuss their individual situation.

One important document in this process is the Flood Elevation Certificate which is prepared by a licensed land surveyor. This certificate is on a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) form, and is kept on file in the Holden Beach Town Hall’s Building Inspections Department.

Elevation certificates identify the flood zone in which the property is located and provide other important information required by FEMA for flood insurance claim purposes.

The Town’s Building Inspections Department at 910-842-6488 can make suggestions to a property owner that might allow them to reduce their insurance premiums, and to identify areas on their property that by its existence creates greater exposure to possible flooding. The department’s personnel will make site visits pertaining to specific circumstances. Call for an appointment.

FLOOD ZONES

The Town of Holden Beach is covered by various flood zones of which all property owners need to be aware. You may gain greater general understanding of these zones by contacting Town Hall -- Building Inspections Department. Remember — flooding is real, prepare for it.